Mind's a large one

Derren Brown's previous West End show was a triumph: a sensationally well structured race through the mentalist's many ways of cajoling astonishment out of an audience.

But when it ended last summer, he vowed to retire its tricks - no more memorising phone directories; no more pseudo-seances - and return with an entirely new show. So this, in a sense, is his difficult second album.

On his Channel 4 series he uses magic, misdirection, showmanship and psychology so well that you might not notice he only does about four tricks a show. On stage, though, some potentially terrific set-pieces suffer from the sheer length of time he spends choosing his volunteers and getting them on and off stage.

Last time out, he made sure he looked permanently on the verge of a major snarl-up - which lent suspense to even the show's less active moments. This night's more casual structure means the down time is more conspicuous. And a couple of tricks, such as the lengthy lulling of four volunteers on stage via a film with subliminal messages, do not quite amaze enough to justify such a big build-up.

Still, when Brown's on top form, there's no one to touch him. In a simple but amazing trick familiar from his last TV series, he guesses precisely how many counters are on a tray in a blink of an eye - after a slap in the face from an audience volunteer that takes him back to the childhood trauma that prompted such Rain Manic behaviour. Best of all is an extended closing stunt, which proves Brown's ability to plant an idea in an audience's minds.

Not only does he pull it off with aplomb but he also goes back through the evening with video highlights to show how he did it.

Well, sort of - Brown might let us in on some of the principles but the discipline and verve required to pull this stuff off remains his own. If you're half interested in this kind of thing, or particularly if you're the sort of wilful cynic who thinks his TV stunts are rigged, this show's highlights demand your attention.

Until Jul 2, Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street WC2, Mon to Sat 8pm, £15 to £30. Tel: 0870 890 1102. Tube: Covent Garden/ Leicester Square

Derren Brown Live